Fluffy rice

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1.5 cups long-grain rice (not parboiled)
• 2 and 1/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves

Preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until light golden brown, about 1.5 minutes. Add the water and salt, bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 18 minutes.
2. Then let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Don't lift the lid, or the rice won't steam evenly. Transfer the rice to a large serving bowl and fluff it with a fork. Add lemon zest and/or thyme, if using, and serve.